Topical Bible: Ministers: should not Be: Crafty

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In the context of Christian ministry, the term "crafty" refers to behavior that is deceitful, cunning, or manipulative. Scripture provides clear guidance that ministers, as shepherds of God's flock, should embody integrity and transparency, avoiding any form of craftiness.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of sincerity and honesty in ministry. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 , Paul states, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." Here, Paul contrasts the behavior of true ministers with those who might use crafty methods to manipulate or deceive.

Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 12:16 , Paul addresses accusations of craftiness directly: "Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery." Paul uses irony to refute claims against him, underscoring that his ministry was not characterized by deceit but by genuine care and truthfulness.

The call for ministers to avoid craftiness is rooted in the character of God, who is described as truthful and faithful. In Titus 1:7 , Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." The emphasis on being "above reproach" implies a life free from deceit and manipulation.

The Old Testament also provides wisdom on the dangers of craftiness. Proverbs 12:2 warns, "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil." This verse highlights the divine disapproval of those who engage in cunning schemes, reinforcing the expectation that God's servants should pursue righteousness and honesty.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warns against the hypocrisy and deceit of the Pharisees, who were often seen as crafty in their religious practices. In Matthew 23:28 , Jesus says, "In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This admonition serves as a caution to all who serve in ministry to maintain integrity both inwardly and outwardly.

The role of a minister is to reflect the character of Christ, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). As such, any form of craftiness is incompatible with the calling to serve as a representative of Christ's truth and love. Ministers are called to lead with transparency, ensuring that their actions and words align with the teachings of Scripture and the example set by Jesus.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... but when it came to pass that they should fight, they ... the trial we shall be found
but a few ministers of the ... no part of the armour of God: it may not be feigned ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

Blessing the Children
... We should teach them to bring their sins to Jesus ... When Jesus told the disciples not
to forbid the children ... to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 56 blessing the children.htm

Trust in God --True Wisdom
... he had cursed before; and until that man should come and ... to him and offer prayer,
he could not even indulge ... Yet so is it, God will honor his ministers, he will ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/trust in godtrue wisdom.htm

John Chapter i. 32, 33
... we are to baptize; Thou hast made us ministers, and hast ... whether the covetous, the
rapacious, the crafty, the sottish ... other liquids, in case it should not be of ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vi john chapter i.htm

St. Athanasius,
... which was one of the lowest kinds of ministers in the ... remain with them, and the emperor
did not think it safe to deny their request, lest there should be some ...
/.../chapter xii st athanasius.htm

The Praise of Men.
... kind offices of teachers or of God's ministers, they generally ... if you feel shame
of men, you should much more ... God tells us Himself, "Fear ye not the reproach ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

Pope Anterus.
... It does not belong to my humble station and measure to ... and to say anything unfavourable
of the ministers of the ... Far be it from me that I should say anything ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

On the First Floor of an Ancient Mansion, in a Street which Slopes ...
... that our Lord has ceased to supply its ministers with the ... it not preposterous that
you, at your years, should consent to ... "Insult you!" echoed Aubrey, "Not I! I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xx on the first floor.htm

Of the Vanity and Crimes, Impious Superstitions, and of the ...
... sacrificing kings, and the priests and ministers of their ... anything concerning divine
things, lest they should both be ... men, that the people may not know what ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx of the vanity and.htm

The Comer's Conflict with Satan
... expect deliverance from self, from Satan, from ministers, or from ... let not thy hopes
or fears come between thee and ... tear thee, it were better he should do so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the comers conflict with satan.htm